For those who want to bring more of their possessions than can be brought as luggage, here are some of your options.

• FREIGHT FORWARDING SERVICE- These companies enclose your items within a crate, insure, ship and arrange reception by a similar UK service. Such firms might only be available in port cities, coastal, Great Lakes, or maybe the Mississippi River. Almost anything can be shipped via this method, large furnishings and cars included. The downside of this is that it can take in the range of 2 months for your belongings to arrive in the UK.
• UPS- Expensive but quick. International Shipping phone number: 800-325-0365

• AIR FREIGHT- Standard airlines have separate freight shipping services, though expensive. Charges are by weight and size, one agent quoted $2.83 per pound as a ball park figure. This is a good method of shipping smaller fragile items or things needed immediately.
• EXTRA BAGGAGE ON PASSENGER FLIGHT- $75-90 for each checked piece not exceeding 62” (that’s height, width, and length added together) and 70 pounds. Larger than 62” is $152.00, heavier than 70 lbs is $228.00. Prices may now be different, check most recent pricing.
• MOVING VANS/COMPANIES- These companies will take care of all shipping from door to door, so if your moving costs are being paid by an employer, this would be the most easy/expensive method.

Delicate Items

The following comanies specialize in shipping delicate items. It would not be worthwhile to have everything shipped via one of these, but necessary for precious mementos and other valuable items. Each company is a member of the Association of Art and Antique Dealers.

Import Duties and Customs

Anything imported whether via luggage or shipping is possibly subject to customs inspection and liable for import duties of 17.5%, on goods less than 6 months old. Have receipts available if you think you may be questioned on anything of value. We’ve heard that if you intend to return to the US with these items, then they are exempt and you do not need to declare them.

Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs: notice 3 ‘Bringing your belongings and private motor vehicle to the UK from outside the EU’

HMRC: form C3 ‘Bringing your personal belongings to the UK from outside the EU’

HMRC: form C104A ‘Importation of a private motor vehicle into the United Kingdom on transfer of residence from outside the European Community (EC)’

HMRC: form C179B ‘Re-importation of an unaccompanied private motor vehicle from outside the European Community (EC)’

HMRC: form C104AVessels ‘Importation of a private vessel into the United Kingdom on transfer of residence from outside the European Community (EC)

Bringing Cash?

There is no tax or duty on cash brought into the UK from outside the EUEuropean Union but you are required to declare cash of 10,000 euros or more (or equivalent).

Find out more from HMRC

Good Imported for Temporary Use

If you are moving to the UK for a specified period of time, for example a student coming to study, you can claim Temporary Import (TI) relief on goods for your period of stay in the EC up to a maximum of 24 months.

To claim, goods must be imported for a specific use and intended for re-export from the UK within a specified time.

HMRC notice 200 ‘Temporary importation’

Storage

Storage facilities vary in price from region to region, but in the Midwest, $50.00 per month is a good price for a single car garage size storage unit, be sure to shop around, and check out how well the sites are maintained. Take your favorite cookware, and recipes, but note that you should bring your own measuring spoons and cups with you as you might have trouble finding American measures in the UK. If you do, the measurement sizes could be different. 

In short, you may be better off to sell the cars and cheap older furniture rather than store them. Cars depreciate, get mucked up from disuse, and create insurance trouble later on if policies aren’t maintained.